As this year comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to say how much we truly value, appreciate and respect each and every one of you.
We also wanted to share the 10 most popular blog posts of 2023, determined by page views. They are stories of faith, humor, loss, marriage, motherhood and so much more. We hope you enjoy re-visiting them as much as we did.
Top 10 Posts of 2023 :: The Best of Lafayette Mom
1. Youngsville is Exploding in Flavor :: The New Restaurants We Can’t Wait to Visit
With two boys, a preteen and a teenager, we have never eaten out so much in our little family’s lifetime. The boys’ school, after-school, and weekend schedules keep us slammed! These days, it is easier to dine out than plan dinner and cook at home. We are keeping our eyes on four new restaurants coming to town and cannot wait to visit each one! Read more…
2. Best Date Night Restaurants South of Lafayette
My husband and I enjoy discovering locally owned restaurants. The carefully crafted menus and unique ambiance provide our date nights with adventure both in cuisine and, sometimes history. It also gives us something to talk about besides the kiddos! I have gathered five of our favorite locally owned restaurants south of Lafayette. Read more…
3. Where To See Halloween Decorations In Lafayette
My kids love any reason to celebrate. They live for the holidays and all the decorations – inflatables, impressive structures, lights. We love driving by houses decorated for the holiday, but we also frequently take holiday decoration walks in our neighborhood. So for all those decorated houses we’ve stopped to look at, THANK YOU! Read more…
4. Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser :: Is it Worth the Money?
We all get those redundant social media ads offering products too good to be true. One such ad I see regularly is the Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser: “Get a FREE diffuser through this link only! Limited devices available and they will sell out fast–get yours while they’re still in stock!” I caved last year and now I own four devices. Is the Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser worth the money? Read more…
5. The Hive Market :: A Must Try In Grand Coteau, LA
I remembered a friend told me about a little cafe called The Hive Market and decided to take a detour since its very close the to I-10 exit. The Hive Market is known for their New Orleans style snoballs made with house made organic syrups and free from high fructose corn syrup and dyes. They use local farm fresh ingredients and carry unique products made by Louisiana makers. Read more…
6. A Hallmark Christmas :: The Best Holiday Fun In Youngsville
This will be our third Christmas in Youngsville and I can certainly say that during Christmas time, I have stopped and thought: “Am I living a scene from a Hallmark movie?” Our little niche in Acadiana definitely shines the brightest during the holidays. Here are a few of my favorite (and soon to be favorite) Hallmark-worthy events in Youngsville. Read more…
7. When Parents Invade In Easter Egg Hunts
Maybe I should share what I thought was going to happen. I thought they would say go, and parents would walk with their babies as their kids collected the eggs. We waited behind the line, practicing patience as they stared at the eggs. And at the sound of “GO,” I was shocked at what unfolded. Read more…
8. Adopted Dog Brewery :: Enjoy Eating Out With Kids Again
Adopted Dog Brewery already thought through its layout to accommodate big families and family-friendly sized parties. The service was prompt with appetizers, our kids’ meals, and a beer flight arriving at our table within minutes of sitting down. Read more…
9. Loaded Teas … More like Load of Bull****
Social media, fitness influencers, and Instagram “nutritionists” all post pretty pictures with their beautifully colored drinks that all claim to be healthy for you. They go to “tea” shops that all have a very similar atmosphere, the same powders and supplements that make the pretty drinks, and owners that seem to be very passionate about nutrition. Read more…
10. Coming Soon to Lafayette :: New Businesses We Can’t Wait to Check Out
My family and I have lived in the Lafayette area for nearly two years. One of the best things about living in Acadiana? There is ALWAYS something happening! The city continues to grow and with that growth comes even more things to do. Here are four (out of many) of the upcoming businesses set to open soon. Read more…
Worth a Read :: Other Popular Posts in 2023
Festival International: Everything You Need to Know (And Yes It’s Kid-Friendly)
The Emotional Backlash of the Carlee Russell Story
Why I Don’t Do Elf On The Shelf And What I Do Instead
Unpopular Opinion: I Don’t Like Mardi Gras
Why I Moved Back to Lafayette After Nearly a Decade
Public School Mama In A Sea Of Plaid :: Embracing The Catholic School Uniform Culture
Ringling Brothers Circus Review With Perspective From A Four-Year-Old
You Will Never Be the Same, But You Will Be Ok
CM Farms :: Worth The Drive From Lafayette To Dry Creek, Louisiana
Tips For Taking Kids To The Farmers Market At Moncus Park